Bolshoi Punch

Name: Bolshoi Punch Recipe (Vodka, Rum & Cassis)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 oz Vodka; 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice; 1/2 oz Simple Syrup; 1/2 oz Light Rum; 1/2 oz Crème de Cassis

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Bolshoi Punch is an elegant mixed cocktail combining vodka, light rum, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and crème de cassis for a tart, slightly sweet drink with berry notes.

More like this:🏷️Equipment: old-fashioned glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake and pour into ice-filled old-fashioned glass.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—bottled will flatten the punch's bright, tart character.
Chill your glass with ice before pouring to keep the drink cold longer and maintain balance.
Measure the simple syrup precisely; too much masks the spirit complexity and crème de cassis flavor.
Stir gently with ice for 10–15 seconds to chill without over-diluting; avoid shaking unless you prefer a lighter texture.

Substitutions

Light rum → white rum or aged rum (adjusts sweetness slightly)
Fresh lemon juice → fresh lime juice (shifts tartness, works well with cassis)
Crème de cassis → raspberry liqueur (changes berry note but maintains balance)

Storage & make-ahead

Bolshoi Punch is served immediately over ice and not meant for storage; prepare components separately and mix to order.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · jigger for measuring · bar spoon for stirring

Common Questions

Can I make Bolshoi Punch ahead for a party?

Yes. Mix all ingredients except ice in a pitcher up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, then pour over ice when serving.

What does crème de cassis taste like in this punch?

Crème de cassis adds dark berry (blackcurrant) sweetness and depth, balancing the tartness of fresh lemon juice.

Can I substitute the spirits in this recipe?

Light rum can swap for white rum or even brandy; vodka can use gin or vodka alternatives. Crème de cassis has no direct substitute but raspberry liqueur is closest.